Are you part of the NICU club? Do you have a child who is still struggling with the effects of being born too soon from preeclampsia? Share your concerns and stories here among parents who have been there.

I am close, mine was a 35 weeker. He had not probelms at all except jaundice. He roomed in with me from the first night, was discharged right on time, no O2, no probelms at all. Now they told me this was fairly unusual for a 35 weeker so I guess with 34 you would expect at least some mild degree on intervention needed. Good luck!

Well, I had a 32 and 35 weeker, so I guess you could just split the difference. They both ultimately did well, although obviously the older one went through everything much quicker. They were both on O2, vents, bili lights, gauvage feedings, etc...
One of the first things the NICU staff usually tells you is to not plan on them going home before their due date. Both of ours went home earlier, so it was a pleasant surprise although they stay still felt unbearably long. The others are right though, it just depends on the baby.
P.S. My 35 weeker was just that - 35 weeks, and zero days - and almost made it to the full-term nursery. In fact, initially they said she could possibly go home with us. Well, she was in the NICU for 2 1/2 weeks, but it does show that we were almost there. You just never know!

Evan was born at 35 weeks and spent 8 days in the NICU, 4 Days on CPAP and 6 days under bili-lights. He also had some kind of infection that need antibiotics. He was discharged without any additional stuff ie apnea monitor ect.

My ds was born at 34 weeks. Initially things looked good, but he started to have trouble breathing and was put on a vent. He was taken off the vent after a few days and was on oxygen jsut a few more days. In total he spent two weeks int he NICU, mostly trying to attain the weight of 4 lb 7 oz, as that was the magic going home weight.

Thanks so much everyone! I know that everyday is a challenge for all preemies! I made through today! So, we are 34 weeks, 1 day! I know that everyday literally counts for her! It helps to know what to ultimately expect, Good and bad!

Not 34 weeks here, but 35. 35 weeks and 1 day via-emergency c. Had lots of bedresting in the hospital, and at the end, my blood was being taken every 12 hours, so pretty much as soon as I developed HELLP, out she came.

I was given the steroid shots to help her lungs mature faster; don't remember when. Possibly around week 32(?). She was having periods of apnea when she was born, so she went right to the level II NICU. About 36 hours after she was born, her lung collapsed, so that was probably the reason for the apnea. Then she was sent to a level III NICU. I think she had a ventilator for a few days. Chest tube, pic line, other things I don't remember...but no jaundice! :) (I tried to stay positive by noting the things she didn't have...I was actually the one with the jaundice looking face/eyes!)

Total NICU stay was 2 weeks. Had reflux/gerd for a few months after. Breastfeeding didn't ever take, or I didn't hang in long enough, and after 4 1/2 months of pumping, she switched to formula (Nutramigen).

She is now 9 months old, so far no health or developmental delays, and the sweetest tempered baby I have ever known.